HISTORY: The origin of the provincial flag can be traced to France, which controlled vast areas of North America during colonial times. Since at least the 12th century, fleurs-de-lis were displayed, usually with a religious connotation, in the area now known as France. The background of the French royal arms was blue, and many French flags utilized blue and white, especially before the late 16th century. An old flag found in Montreal in the mid-19th century was attributed to the victorious French Canadian troops at the Battle of Carillon (Ticonderoga) in 1758. A modified version of that design later became popular as a French Canadian ethnic flag. Its background was blue, and a gold fleur-de-lis appeared in each corner, between the arms of a white cross, pointed toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus that formed the centrepiece of the flag.

In 1946 the provincial legislature sanctioned the concept of a distinctive Quebec flag, and Premier Maurice Duplessis issued an order in council on January 21, 1948, that approved the flag now in use. The new design was based on the Carillon (Sacred Heart) flag, but with significant changes: the religious symbol was removed from its centre, the fleurs-de-lis were pointed toward the top edge, and their colour was changed from gold to white. Legislative approval was given to that flag on March 7, 1950. There is no official attribution of symbolism to the colours or design elements, but it is understood that they evoke the historical origins of the province and its status as a francophone nation in the New World.